Autonomous driving technology promises a long list of exciting benefits and services, but like any connected technology, it could be vulnerable to attack from hackers. As such, powerful GM cybersecurity countermeasures will be critical to the automaker’s future as it rolls out its latest high-tech offerings.
Speaking at the recent 2020 RSA Conference, an event focused on exploring the latest in information security, General Motors CEO Mary Barra outlined the need for robust GM cybersecurity with regard to future products and goals.
GM CEO Mary Barra
“Our vision is to create a world with zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion,” Barra said. “It’s not a pipe dream, we know it’s achievable. The critical technologies that will make it a reality include electric, autonomous vehicles, and connectivity – and cybersecurity is foundational to all of these.”
The forthcoming Cruise Origin is one example of all three of those technologies. As such, Origin will need to lead in GM cybersecurity efforts.
“The Origin has no pedals, no steering wheel, and no backup human driver. Using highly specialized sensors and computers it delivers superhuman performance, and at reasonable cost. It features multiple layers of protection designed from the ground up, like the vehicle itself.”
The new GM Global B digital vehicle architecture is another example of stronger GM cybersecurity measures. Debuting on the new Cadillac CT5 and rolling out now on new models, Global B also offers greater processing power and enhanced connectivity.
According to Barra, General Motors has invested upwards $100 million into GM cybersecurity efforts, including 500 new hires in the areas of cryptology, data analytics, mathematics, and program management. The new hires are set to develop defense monitoring and detection systems, as well as incident response capabilities.
Barra called on the rest of the auto industry to follow suit in taking automotive cybersecurity seriously, as one hack could threaten consumer trust in the entire industry. Barra estimates that millions of new cybersecurity positions will open up by 2022.
“We need more talent, a lot more,” she said. “Without the right people and the right tools, the security risks will increase in this connected world and endanger the long-term success of virtually every business that exists within a digital ecosystem.”
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Source: Threatpost
Comments
A 2-step authorization similar to what Amazon and others have used where the owner of the car needs to punch in an authorization code that is sent to their private cell# could provide the necessary security.
There are many riders, especially seniors, who have no smartphone for that two-step authorization. The classic physical key is a better device since it can be coded and impossible to duplicate. My 1995 Buick Regal has such keys and no one can hack its security without the correct key. I sold it to a 88 year old senior who still drives it today, and he likes how simple its security is even after 25 years.
Cyber security regulations are going to be necessary for self driving to really take off. We need rules on the minimum standards manufacturers will have to meet.
Wireless connectivity is the weak point that allows hackers to get in. It should be limited to operate only when a certain signal is transmitted at a short distance, so any hacker has to be physically close or an actual rider Some university students managed to get into the CAN system of a modern Malibu, with a laptop, but they were riding inside to do it.
If the financial industry and the Pentagon, to just name two, are unsuccessful in preventing hacking just how does GM expect to prevent it altogether? Hackers discover new access points every day. Once the entry point is discovered, it takes days or weeks to plug them, if at all. What is GM going to do, shut down all of the affected vehicles until a fix is created?
Just picture it, some kid in China successfully hacks the throttle-control system in a given line of vehicles, causing colossal wrecks all over the world. What then?
I may be “old school” but I can’t see how autonomous vehicles can be successfully introduced until their control systems are **one hundred percent** hack-proof. As Barra stated; ” . . . one hack could threaten consumer trust in the entire industry.” It’s more than trust, it’s LIVES . . . MANY of them!
Just my opinion. Let the flaming commence!
Montana Bob
After a 100 years of making cars GM and scary Mary still can’t even get over the inevitable recall.
Scary Mary will be driving GM straight back to bankruptcy court.
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